CHRISTCHURCH SPEEDWAY KART CLUB - RULES AND REGULATIONS

These rules aim to ensure karting at the club is conducted in a friendly, competitive, and safe manner. All members, families, and crews are expected to follow them.

​​​​​​​General Conduct

• All participants, including drivers and crew, are expected to compete in a friendly but competitive spirit.
• Intoxicating Substances: Alcoholic beverages and drugs are strictly forbidden for everyone.
• Smoking: Not permitted in the pit, grid, or fuel areas.
• Safety First: All rules are designed with safety as a priority.
• Member Responsibility: It is every member's responsibility to know, understand, and respect the rules.
• Misinterpretation: Misunderstanding a rule does not invalidate it. The Race Convener will provide the correct interpretation.
• Prohibited Behavior: Physical or verbal abuse is not tolerated and may result in disqualification or expulsion.
• Social Media Conduct Policy – Protecting Our Speedway Community: To maintain the integrity and safety of Christchurch Speedway Karts Inc and its karting community, all participants, supporters, and spectators are reminded that posting photos, videos, or details of accidents on social media is strictly prohibited. Such content can be distressing, misrepresentative, and potentially damaging to individuals involved and the reputation of the club. Additionally, any online posts that may be considered harmful, defamatory, or disrespectful toward the club, its officials, or fellow members will not be tolerated. If a member is found to have made such posts, it will be at the discretion of the Committee to apply a penalty—this may include a two-meeting ban, or in severe cases, cancellation of their membership. We encourage everyone to use social media responsibly and to promote a positive, supportive environment that reflects the values of our speedway kart family.

Eligibility and Fees

• All competitors must have paid their fees and signed an indemnity form before racing.
• Fees are payable online by July 30th each year.
• Membership Fees:
  • Family: $110
  • Adult: $75
  • Junior (16 and under): $50
  • Social (non-Racing): $25
• Race Day Fees (per class):
  • Senior Member: $50
  • Junior Member: $30
  • Social (non-member): $75.00
• Practice/Test Day Fees (per class):
  • Senior Member: $30.00
  • Junior Member: $20.00
  • Social (non-member): $50
• Scrutineering: Karts must go through scrutineering at every race meeting or training Day.

General Racing and Training On-Track 

• Scrutineering: Karts must be clean, race-ready, and accompanied by the driver's gear.
• Accidents: Any kart involved in a serious accident must be checked by a scrutineer before returning to the track. Injuries must be reported to the Health & Safety officer.

• Respect Your Competitors: Always maintain a safe distance and be predictable in your movements. Aggressive or unsportsmanlike driving will not be tolerated.

• Hold Your Line: Drive a consistent line to allow for clean and safe passing. Do not change lanes suddenly or block other drivers.
• Passing: All passing must be done safely and without contact. The driver being passed is expected to hold their line.
• Slowing Down: When slowing down for any reason, raise your arm to alert others behind you.

Race Start Procedures

• Holding Position: On the pace lap, you must hold your position in the grid until the green flag is dropped.
• Green Flag Drop: The race officially begins when the green flag is dropped. This will happen just after you exit turn 4 at the start of the straight.

Restart Rules:

• Cadet: Drivers must remain in the kart with their hand in the air for assistance.
• Junior/JR/KT: If the engine stops, the kart must be removed from the track and cannot re-join the race.
• Rotax: Karts that spin out may re-join the race when it is safe to do so, without gaining a position.
• A driver who exits their seat is out of the race.

Under Caution (Yellow Light/Flag)

• Slow Down Immediately: When a yellow light or flag is displayed, you must immediately slow to a circulating pace.
• No Passing: Passing is strictly prohibited under a yellow caution.
• Indian File Re-grid: Close any gaps and form a single file line (Indian file) as you circle the track. Maintain a slow, crawling pace.
• Official Instructions: Listen to your race radio and follow all instructions from on-track officials for the re-grid and restart.

Flags and Signals

• Green Flag: The race is underway.
• Yellow Flag: Caution. Slow down to a circulating pace. No passing.
• Red Flag: Race is stopped immediately. Pull over safely and await instructions.
• White Flag: One lap remaining in the race.
• Checkered Flag: The race is over. Slow down and return to the pits safely.
• Black Flag: You have been disqualified from the race. Report to the officials immediately.

​​​​​​​Safety Procedures

• If You Stop on the Track: If your kart stops and you cannot get it going again, immediately put your arm straight up high so that other drivers and officials can see you.
• Going to the Infield: If you need to go to the infield, listen carefully to the instructions from the safety crew. Stay in your kart or behind the safety barrier at all times. Do not remove your safety gear until you are told it is safe to do so.

Penalties and Consequences

• Reordering: Officials may reorder your position for minor infractions.
• Penalties: Violating these rules, such as passing under caution or unsportsmanlike conduct, will result in penalties. These can include being requested to back up to your proper position or being moved back 2 places on the race's completion.
• Disqualification: Severe or repeated rule violations may lead to disqualification from the race or event.

Safety Gear

• Helmet: Full-face, NZ-approved safety helmets are mandatory.
• Eye Protection: A properly fitted helmet visor or goggles must be used.
• Neck Braces: Compulsory for all drivers in all classes during practice and racing.
• Clothing: A minimum of cotton overalls, gloves, and suitable enclosed footwear must be worn. All skin on the arms and legs must be covered.

Kart Specifications

• Fuel            

• Single 3 or 10 ltr fuel cell – mounted securely to chassis
• Octane – 91/98 only with 2 stroke additives only (no other additive)

Numbers: Numbers

• Yellow or white background with black numbers
• 150mm minimum diameter
• Figure height 100mm
• Figure width 60mm
• Space between numbers 15mm
• Numbers to be attached to front rear and side pods
• The numbers 1, 2 or 3 are not permitted as these are for winners of National Championships
• 0 is not to be used as a race number
• Only 1 competitor can use an allocated number

• Bumpers: Plastic front and rear bumpers are compulsory. Rear bumpers must cover at least 80% of the rear tire width and include an anti-intrusion bar.
• Side Pods & Nose Cones: Compulsory and must be plastic.
• Chassis Width:
  • Junior Restricted: Minimum of 1200mm.
  • All other classes (Juniors and up): Minimum of 1220mm.
  • Maximum width for all classes is 1350mm.

Tires and Rims

• Front maximum 6” rims
• Rear maximum 6” rims with 9.5 Tyres
• 5” rims and tyres can be run
• Tread to be wet type or dirt track tread ie Burra’s or Hoosier’s
• Not knobbly type grass
• Wheel nuts are to be of Nylock type

Classes